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CDL Truck Driver

CDL Driver Shortage: What It Means for Pay in 2025

By James Rodriguez5 min read

The American Trucking Associations has been sounding the alarm for years: the industry needs more drivers. The current shortage sits around 60,000-80,000 drivers nationwide, and it's projected to get worse as older drivers retire.

What's Driving Pay Up

Simple economics. When there aren't enough drivers, companies compete for the ones available. That means:

  • Higher base pay. National median for CDL drivers hit $50,340 in 2024, up from $48,310 the year before.
  • Sign-on bonuses. We're seeing $5,000-15,000 sign-on bonuses from major carriers. Some regional companies offer even more.
  • Better benefits. Health insurance, 401k matching, and paid time off have all improved as companies try to keep drivers from jumping ship.

Where the Money Is

Not all driving jobs pay the same. Here's how it breaks down:

  • OTR (Over-the-Road): $55,000-75,000/yr. Highest pay, most time away from home.
  • Regional: $50,000-65,000/yr. Home most weekends, solid middle ground.
  • Local/Delivery: $45,000-60,000/yr. Home every night, lower pay but better quality of life.
  • Specialized (Hazmat, Tanker, Oversized): $65,000-90,000/yr. Requires extra endorsements but pays significantly more.

Hot Markets

States with the highest CDL driver pay in 2025:

  1. Alaska - harsh conditions, big paychecks
  2. New York - NYC metro area drives up averages
  3. Washington - port traffic and tech freight
  4. Massachusetts - high cost of living, high wages
  5. California - everything from ports to produce

Getting Started

If you're thinking about getting your CDL, the barrier to entry is lower than most trades. CDL training programs run 3-8 weeks and cost $3,000-7,000. Many carriers will pay for your training if you commit to driving for them for a year or two.

The Catch

Let's be real: long-haul trucking is hard on your body and your relationships. The pay keeps going up because a lot of people aren't willing to be gone 250+ days a year. If you've got the temperament for it and can handle the road life, the money is there. If you want something more balanced, look at local and regional routes.